Scope
Description
A contract for commercial and procurement services, from advisory to leading on or assisting the activities across the end-to-end procurement cycle for both complex and tactical projects/programmes.
The contract will allow us to draw down on two distinct but integrated service lines:
• Service Line A — Commercial Strategy & Complex Programmes (Outcome/Deliverables Led)
Outcome/deliverable defined strategic work for larger or more complex portfolios/programmes/projects. This includes, for example, shaping category and sourcing strategies, designing complex and/or novel commercial models, developing negotiation strategies and benefits cases, and providing commercial assurance with structured knowledge transfer to DWP teams. Delivery is typically multi month and led by a multi disciplinary supplier team.
• Service Line B — Operational Procurement & Surge Delivery (Tactical)
Agile support to existing DWP commercial teams and/or to run smaller, lower value and less complex procurements and in life tasks. E.g., drafting ITT packs, managing evaluations, contracting and variations, mobilisation support, and MI/KPI improvements. Delivery may be resource as a service based (T&M) or fixed fee micro/small package deliverables. It will also enable short notice surge support.
Total value (estimated)
- £10,000,000 excluding VAT
- £12,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 17 July 2026 to 16 July 2028
- Possible extension to 15 July 2029
- 2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 79418000 - Procurement consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
26 February 2026
Engagement process description
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Commercial Directorate is undertaking preliminary market engagement to inform the forthcoming procurement of Commercial Strategy and Procurement Delivery Services.
This engagement aims to help suppliers understand our objectives and early design considerations, and to enable the market to provide evidence based feedback that may help shape the final procurement approach. Participation is optional and will not advantage or disadvantage any supplier in any future competition.
DWP is inviting suppliers to complete a questionnaire, covering themes such as route to market options, contract strategy, onboarding, requirements development, commercial models, social value, and risk. Following review of questionnaire responses, DWP may invite a limited number of suppliers to short 1-1 clarification discussions, conducted transparently and recorded to ensure fairness. Where further questions arise beyond the questionnaire, DWP may issue a short follow up request to participating suppliers.
Suppliers wishing to participate should request the PME Briefing Pack and questionnaire by contacting:
PROFESSIONAL.SERVICES@dwp.gov.uk
Emails should use the subject line: “Commercial Strategy and Procurement Delivery Services – PME”
Completed questionnaires must be submitted by 01st March at 5pm. Responses received after the deadline will not be considered.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
8 May 2026
Contracting authority
Department for Work & Pensions
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJCP-7274-TLRQ
Caxton House, 6-12 Tothill Street, London, SW1H 9NA
London
SW1H 9NA
United Kingdom
Contact name: DWP Commercial Directorate - Consultancy & Professional Services Team
Email: professional.services@dwp.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government